How did you get started as a programmer or developer?

When I had to choose subjects in grade 10, I was set on becoming an accountant. I chose IT as a subject to have something different, and it immediately grabbed my attention. I then decided to go study further in this field, and I’ve never looked back.

I got started in the industry because of the continuous learning opportunities and growth provided in this division, including the ability to create systems that will enhance business processing in general.

Are there any challenges you face as a programmer or developer?

Everything is fast-paced and fast-changing, there’s always newer things and different ways of doing something. There are multiple solutions to a single problem, and choosing the best and most practical solution can be challenging. Your working hours are also very flexible, and it takes strict self-control to balance between work and everyday life.

I believe challenges are a part of life and from each one you have a choice to learn from them. The challenges I have come across as a developer/programmer are many, but I’ll list a few:

• Test environment duplication
• Adapting the latest market trends
• Design influences
• Quality assurance
• Development expectations and outcome
• Undefined quality standards

Are you always on the computer?

Mostly, yes. I do try to have hobbies away from the screen, and force myself to take a break to allow my mind to switch off.

Not all the time, but most of the time 😊

What does it take to be successful?

Perseverance. Willingness to take on new challenges and to get out of your comfort zone. Try not to get lost in the entirety of a big project, rather focus on all the smaller steps needed and celebrate the victories while keeping your eye on the big picture.

Personally, for me it’s to live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. But what I would say is try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.

The key is to not only to add value to yourself, but to add value to the people around you.

Comments on the future of this space?

We are facing a digital future. Doing online shopping and banking, working remotely, advanced technology, and much more. This opens a whole new world for developers to get involved in. I also think the future success of businesses, and especially small companies, is directly linked to their digital presence and willingness to adapt to using modern technology.

There is a lot of room to grow in this division, both in your career and personally. With regards to the future, there are two main predictions for the future: it’s either appealing or appalling. An appealing future is created by people who identify their real values in life and believe in what they can do.